Also, one of the important variables is the sound card in the computer.
There is as much debate about "the best" sound cards as there is about any other audio component.
One problem with a laptop is the lack of flexibility regarding the sound card that comes with the computer. It will be an integrated component that you cannot simply pull out and replace as in a desktop computer. It you were not satisified, you would have to purchase an additional external USB or FireWire device.
That said, is it feasible to move your current computer to a location where you can play around with recording for a day? Is it feasible to run a line from your studio to the computer?